FOREIGN Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow today (Mar. 5) denied that US Ambassador Sean K. O’Neill asked to use U-Tapao Airport as a base to fight Iran during a meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday, Naewna newspaper said.
The discussion focused on the relations between the two countries with updates on import tariff negotiations and defence cooperation.
Regarding use of the Thai airport, this is a normal security arrangement such as allowing flyby and refueling stops with similar agreements also in place with many other countries, he added.
“However, cooperating by providing a base of operations to attack another country with which we have good relations, I don’t think this is our policy,” Sihasak said.
When asked whether discussions had also taken place with Iranian Ambassador Nassereddin Heidari, Sihasak confirmed this too had taken place.
Thailand’s biggest concern is the evacuation of all 200 Thai citizens in Iran with the plan being to take them by land to the Turkish border, he mentioned without giving further details.
Thailand has held talks with US, Israel and Iran regarding the route and the date for evacuating Thais with this considered to be a humanitarian issue and the route should be free from fighting.
Amid criticism that Thailand does not have a clear stance on the US-Israel war on Iran, Sihasak said the country’s primary position is to see to the safety of Thai citizens in the Middle East totalling over 100,000. Secondly the country is not a party to this war and thirdly Thailand wants a resolution of the conflict through international law and UN Charter.
“These points are clear, I am concerned about criticism by experts and former government officials that Thailand lacks clarity, we are clear, we want peace,” he said.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – U-Tapao International Airport signage. Photo – PPTVHD36
Insert – Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow speaks to members of media at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok on Sep. 25, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha and published by CNA
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